Items filtered by date: September 2024

Achilles tendinopathy, or Achilles pain, is common among athletes, particularly in sports involving running, jumping, and sudden changes in direction. It occurs when the Achilles tendon becomes overworked due to repetitive strain, often from overtraining, poor technique, or wearing inadequate footwear. Athletes in sports like basketball, soccer, or track and field are especially prone. Symptoms include stiffness and pain along the back of the heel, particularly after physical activity or intense workouts. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to chronic pain or even a tendon rupture, sidelining athletes for extended periods of time. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and sometimes imaging like ultrasound or MRI scans to determine the severity. Treatment focuses on rest. For prevention, athletes should engage in proper warm-up, cooldown routines, and wearing the right footwear. If you engage in sports and have incurred an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and care.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Troy Wilde, DPM of Practice. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Phoenix, Gilbert, and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Blisters are small fluid-filled bubbles that typically form on the skin as a result of friction or pressure, often from wearing new or tight shoes. These bubbles develop when repeated rubbing causes the top layers of skin to separate. This allows fluid to accumulate in the space created. While friction is the most common cause of blisters, they can also arise from burns, sunburn, insect bites, and certain medical conditions. Symptoms include a raised area of skin filled with clear fluid or blood, along with redness, pain, and itching. Blisters can be painful and may become infected if not properly treated. Popping a blister is not recommended as it can lead to infection. A podiatrist can safely treat blisters on the feet, ensuring that any underlying causes are identified and addressed. If you have a problematic blister on the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Troy Wilde, DPM of Practice. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Phoenix, Gilbert, and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetic foot care is crucial for avoiding complications and maintaining foot health. Do regularly inspect your feet for cuts, blisters, or changes in skin color, as diabetes can impair sensation and delay healing. Clean your feet daily with mild soap and water, and keep them dry, especially between the toes, to prevent infections. Always wear well-fitting, supportive shoes to avoid blisters and sores. Regular visits to a podiatrist can help detect potential issues early. Do not walk barefoot, as this increases the risk of injury and infection. Avoid using hot water bottles or heating pads on your feet, as reduced sensation can lead to burns. Do not self-treat or attempt to cut corns or calluses, as this can cause injury. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you regularly visit a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Troy Wilde, DPM from Practice. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Phoenix, Gilbert, and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Choosing the right running shoes is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Start by considering where you will primarily be running. For example, for road running, look for shoes with good cushioning and flexibility to handle hard, even surfaces. If you will be running on trails, opt for trail shoes with better grip, stability, and protection against rocks and uneven terrain. The distance you plan to cover also influences your choice. Longer distances typically require shoes with more cushioning to reduce fatigue, while shorter runs may benefit from lighter, more responsive shoes. The fit is important. There should be enough room in the toe box, your heel should feel secure, and the shoe should support your arch type. When trying on shoes, wear the socks you plan to run in and test them later in the day when your feet are slightly swollen, ensuring a proper fit. Running shoes should be replaced every 400 to 500 miles to maintain optimal support and cushioning. If you incur a foot or ankle injury while running or need further advice on choosing proper running shoes, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Troy Wilde, DPM from Practice. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Phoenix, Gilbert, and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.